Photo credits: Even Keel Imagery & Miriam Brummel
Can you tell us the backstory of the new album? Is it from a real experience?
Yes, it’s an album that’s SO close to my heart and stems from many real experiences.
It started with this idea that I wanted to cover songs by male rockers, but on my own terms and in my own way. I wanted to tell these songs from a feminine perspective. I think a good song is like a diamond: you turn it a little bit and new light shines. Soon I was relating the lyrics of all of these songs to things I’d experienced as a woman. An example is Rocket Man. For me, that song became a metaphor for being a woman in the workplace. It’s like, I have to go off to space and prove I can do everything a man does out here, but how to I deal with all the parts of me that are left back home? Also, I’ve always loved the song “Just Like a Woman” by Bob Dylan and thought, “What if I was singing this about myself and my journey as a woman in this world?” Pretty soon I had found a story with each song, and in an album order that tells a journey to and through womanhood. On my social media, I’m highlighting one song from the album per week where I talk about what the song means to me and the journey to recording it.
Even though most people listen to songs individually these days, I love the idea of a whole album that has a cohesive theme and concept. My last album, a Christmas album, was songs from popular holiday movies, which was so much fun!
What does this album mean to you?
To me, this album means not being afraid to use my real, authentic voice and tell my stories. Even though I didn’t write these songs, they started to feel incredible personal and vulnerable. This album also means celebrating women and our stories, which is why I released it on International Women’s Day.
What’s it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
These songs are not my own original music, but they feel as personal as an original song. Some of the arrangements are so different from the originals that it felt like we were writing a new song! I released an original single last year, which was a lot of fun. I’ve also got some new originals coming later this year.
Will there be a music video for any of your new singles? If so, can you tell us about the concept of the video.
Yes, we shot a video for God Only Knows and it’ll be coming out very soon.
Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today?
Yes! My parents have always supported me in every way they possible can, from the early days of getting me voice lessons, driving me around to rehearsals, sending me to an incredible college program, etc. They are amazing. My whole family has always been incredibly encouraging when it comes to my music. Also, my husband Tim. He’s always so supportive and we love to work together on these projects. He encourages me every single day.
What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?
I want my fans to feel inspired and empowered when they listen to my music or see me perform live. I want them to know I have their backs!
Are you planning any shows to promote your new music?
Right now with COVID-19 affecting the world, it’s not possible to perform live. However, I am planning some live streamed performances, so make sure to stay connected with me on social media for dates and times!
What is it like performing in front of your fans?
It’s an amazing feeling. My fans are the most kind, generous, incredible people. I love feeling connected to them!
What do you want your supporters to know that you think is important?
I think telling stories through music, film, and art is really important. Stories are what connect us through shared experience. Music helps us process everything we experience as humans and know we’re not alone.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I live in LA now, but I grew up a country girl in Ohio. I lived around the corner from my grandparents farm, where I played all the time. My parents house has no next door neighbors, but it does have fields and hills and streams and woods. I would frequently go out into the woods and sing and make up stories. Sometimes there were cows in my back yard.
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
Say hi!!
Is there anyone in the music business you are dying to meet?
Yes. David Foster. He is the musical genius behind Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and so many other incredible artists. I always wanted to be the next Celine Dion and work with him!
Why do you think social media is so important for artists like yourself?
It’s a way for us to connect to our fans in a special and unique way. It’s really fun to post behind the scenes videos and photos, and also get feedback on what everyone wants to hear.
What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?
My biggest dream is to sing on the soundtrack of a major motion picture. In addition to music, I love acting and I’m a huge film buff. Working on a soundtrack would be the intersection of my two greatest passions. I’ve worked with Disney a lot over the years and have always wanted to voice an original Disney Princess!
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
THANK YOU for your support. Without people like you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. As an independent artist, I have so much gratitude for my supporters!
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview
Thank you for having me!
